Project News

The Project for Modernization of Public Transport in Belgrade (hereinafter referred to as "the Project") held the 2nd JCC in Belgrade on December 17, 2021. In the JCC, the progress of the activities was reported and the future activity plan was mutually confirmed by the counterparts.

At the JCC, representatives from the Secretariat for Public Transport, the City of Belgrade (hereinafter referred to as "SfPT"), related departments of the City of Belgrade, the University of Belgrade, public transport operators, tariff system contractors, JICA headquarters, JICA Balkan office and JICA project team attended the meeting. During the meeting, the leaders of three working groups consisting of members from several related organizations, including SfPT, reported on the progress of their respective activities.

In particular, as a result of the analysis of the users' opinion survey on public transport fare payment conducted as one of the activities related to Output 3, it was identified that the rate of free riding is higher among the younger age group of users, and this was perceived by them to be socially acceptable behavior. Given this situation, the JCC members agreed that an essential mitigation measure is to improve bus riding etiquette and educate the general public on their responsibilities towards fare payment, in order to safeguard the future financial sustainability of public transport. Consequently, the JCC will develop a detailed implementation plan for a transport education program targeting specific groups.

After the JCC, the minutes of the meeting were signed by the representatives from both the City of Belgrade and JICA.